Men aged 25 and 18 are arrested over Essex attack on rabbi

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin’s injuries were being assessed King George’s Hospital

Two people have been arrested in connection with a religiously-aggravated assault on a rabbi in Chigwell.

Rafi Goodwin had been attacked with an unknown item following a verbal altercation in Limes Avenue, near his Essex synagogue, shortly after 1.15pm yesterday, it was reported.

He required treatment at King George’s Hospital after he suffered cuts to his head and around one eye, and his phone was stolen.

Two men from Ilford, aged 18 and 25, were arrested this afternoon on suspicion of GBH with intent. They are currently in custody.

Police say they do not believe the incident is ‘related to events taking place overseas or incidents which have taken place elsewhere in the country’.

While issuing an appeal yesterday, Essex Police had said it was believed that two teenagers had stepped out in front of the victim’s vehicle while he was driving, before shouting at him and speaking ‘in a derogatory way about his religion before going on to damage his car’.

‘When he got out of his car to confront them, he was attacked with an unknown object causing him to require hospital treatment,’ a spokesman had said.

Today, following the arrests, a spokesman said: ‘Throughout today our officers have been engaging with local Jewish communities to provide reassurance and updates following on from the incident.

‘Community members and religious leaders, who are celebrating Shavuot, have been speaking to our officers in Chigwell and Southend this morning.’

Rafi Goodwin had been attacked with an unknown item following a verbal altercation in Limes Avenue, near his Essex synagogue, shortly after 1.15pm yesterday, it was reported

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: ‘We know this is a very important time – a time for communities to come together, to be around each other and celebrate. We do not want anyone to feel that they cannot do that safely’ (pictured: Police at the synagogue)

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: ‘We know this is a very important time – a time for communities to come together, to be around each other and celebrate. We do not want anyone to feel that they cannot do that safely.

‘Officers have spent the day speaking with the Jewish community to provide reassurance.

‘At this time we do not believe this incident is related to events taking place overseas or incidents which have taken place elsewhere in the country.’

Police are also continuing to appeal for anyone with any information about the incident to contact then.

A spokesman said: ‘Anyone with information about this incident, relevant CCTV, dashcam or ring door bell footage – particularly in the areas of Limes Avenue, Tudor Crescent, and Fencepiece Road, is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/92174/21.’